The US Green Card (also known as a Permanent Resident Card) allows non-citizens to permanently live and work in the US. U.S. Green Card Number is a 13-character code in this document. However, many individuals ask, “Where can I find the card number on my green card?”
This number, usually three letters followed by ten numbers, is a unique identifier for each permanent resident, allowing USCIS to track and manage their status.
It ensures accurate identification, application tracking, and verification, keeping records in order and compliant with the law. It’s also used for renewal, replacement, and legal proceedings related to an individual’s immigration status, so it’s a big part of the immigration process.
In this article, we’ll discuss where you can find the card number on your green card and why it is essential.
Structure and Format of the U.S Green Card Number
The U.S Green Card number is a 13-character number, also known as the USCIS number. Knowing the format of the number will give you an idea of what it means and what information it holds. Here’s what it entails:
1. Prefix
The U.S. Green Card Number starts with three letters, which are the prefix. USCIS uses these letters internally to categorize and track different types of cases. The prefix helps differentiate between various types of applications and petitions that USCIS processes.
2. Numeric Sequence
After the three letters is a 10-digit sequence. This sequence is unique to each Green Card holder and is assigned sequentially as applications are processed. The sequence ensures that each U.S. Green Card Number is unique so individual cases can be tracked precisely.
3. Year of Issue
Within the numeric sequence is the year the Green Card was issued. This helps USCIS to reference the year of issue which can be essential to verify the card and the timeline of the individual’s residency.
4. Case Number
The numeric sequence also has the individual’s case number, which links the Green Card to the immigration application. This connection between the Green Card number and the case number allows USCIS to pull up and review the applicant’s file and to maintain continuity in record keeping and case management.
5. Check Digit
Some Green Card numbers have a 13th digit, which is the check digit. This digit is used to verify the entire number to prevent data entry errors and to ensure the information is accurate.
Locating Your U.S. Green Card Number
Individuals commonly ask, “Where can I find card number on green card?”. Finding your Green Card number on your Permanent Resident Card is easy once you know where to look. The Green Card number, also known as the USCIS number, is on the front side of the card. Depending on the version of the card you have, it may be in a slightly different spot:
1. U.S Green Cards Issued after May 2010
On the newer versions of the Green Card, the number is on the front side of the card, bottom section. It’s labeled as “USCIS#,” followed by the 13-digit number. This format is three letters followed by ten digits.
2. Older Green Cards (issued before May 2010)
On older versions, the U.S. Green Card Number is on the front of the card but in a different spot. It’s usually in the middle or lower part of the card and labeled as “A#” followed by numbers.
3. Card Design
The U.S. Green Card Number is embedded in the card design to prevent counterfeiting and tampering. The design features holographic images, fine-line patterns, and color shifts.
Make sure you know where to find your Green Card number for immigration forms, to renew your card, or to show proof of your permanent resident status to employers, government agencies, or institutions. Also, ensure it’s readable and matches your official records to avoid problems.
Use of the Green Card Number
The Green Card number is a key identifier for lawful permanent residents in the US and is used in many situations. Knowing when and why you need this number will help you better navigate legal, employment, and administrative processes.
1. Employment Verification
Employers in the US are required to verify the employment eligibility of all employees. During the hiring process, new employees must fill out Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The Green Card number is required for this form as it proves your lawful permanent resident status so you can work legally in the country.
2. Travel and Re-entry
When a Green Card holder travels outside the US, they must present their Green Card upon re-entry to prove their permanent resident status. The Green Card number helps US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers quickly verify the individual’s status so you can re-enter the country smoothly.
3. Applying for Benefits
Permanent residents may be eligible for some public benefits and services such as Social Security, Medicare, and financial aid for education. When applying for these benefits, you may be required to provide your Green Card number as part of the verification process to prove your eligibility.
4. Renewal and Replacement
Green Cards are valid for ten years and must be renewed before expiration. If you lose, damage, or have your card stolen, you must replace it. You need the Green Card number for these processes to maintain continuous immigration records and issue a new card.
5. Legal and Administrative Processes
In legal matters such as court proceedings or when dealing with government agencies, providing the Green Card number helps to identify and reference the individual’s immigration status. This can be important for immigration status verification, deportation defense or other legal issues.
6. Loan and Mortgage Applications
Financial institutions may require proof of lawful permanent residency when applying for loans or mortgages. The Green Card number along with other personal information is used to verify the applicant’s identity and eligibility for financial products.
7. Educational Enrollments
When enrolling in educational institutions, especially for higher education, students may need to provide their Green Card number to verify their residency status. This can affect in-state tuition rates, scholarships, and other educational benefits.
8. Healthcare Services
Some healthcare providers and insurance companies may require a Green Card number to verify eligibility for specific services and programs. So permanent residents can get the right coverage and benefits.
The Green Card number is a valuable and essential tool for lawful permanent residents, for many aspects of daily life, and for complying with US laws and regulations. Need help in obtaining a green card? Immigration Question allows you to connect with verified attorneys and access legal information. Sign up for free!
Renewal and Replacement Processes
The Green Card number is vital to the renewal and replacement process of a Green Card to ensure continuity and accuracy in an individual’s immigration records. Here’s how it works in these situations:
Renewal Process
Green Cards are good for ten (10) years, and holders must apply for renewal before their card expires to maintain their permanent resident status. The renewal process is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. During this process, you must provide your Green Card number. USCIS accesses your immigration history, verifies your renewal eligibility, and links the new Green Card correctly to your existing records using this number.
Replacement Process
If you lose your Green Card, or it gets stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information, you must replace it. Like the renewal process, the replacement process requires Form I-90. You need the Green Card number so USCIS can access your file, verify your identity, and process the new card. The Green Card number stays the same to keep your immigration records consistent.
Expedited Processing
In some situations, such as employment authorization or international travel, you may need an expedited Green Card replacement. Providing the Green Card number allows USCIS to quickly find and review your file, speeding up the issuance of your new card.
Updating Information
When you renew or replace a Green Card, you may need to update personal information like your address or name. The Green Card number updates this information in your immigration records, preventing confusion or legal issues.
Communication with USCIS
During the renewal or replacement process, USCIS may contact you for more information or verification. The U.S. Green Card Number is used in all correspondence, so there’s no confusion between you and USCIS.
The Green Card number is the key to the renewal and replacement process; it’s how USCIS identifies and verifies you. It ensures all updates and new issuances are linked to your immigration records so your permanent resident status remains intact. Attorneys on Immigration Question can guide you through the entire green card processing. Sign up for free to speak to an immigration lawyer today!
FAQ: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the U.S Green Card Number on your Card and Understanding its Significance
Here are some frequently asked questions.
1. What is a U.S Green Card Number?
USCIS assigns a 13-character U.S Green Card Number, also known as a USCIS number, to each Permanent Resident Card. It starts with three letters followed by ten numbers and is used to track and manage lawful permanent residents in the United States.
2. Can I find my U.S Green Card Number on any other documents?
You can find your U.S Green Card Number on other immigration-related documents, such as the approval notice from USCIS (Form I-797, Notice of Action) issued with your Green Card. But it is primarily located on the front of your physical Green Card, labeled as “USCIS#” or “A#.”
3. What should I do if I lose my Green Card and don’t know my Green Card number?
If you lose your Green Card and don’t know your U.S Green Card Number, you should report the loss to USCIS right away by calling their customer service or visiting their website. Then, you will need to file Form I-90, and Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, as soon as possible to get a new Green Card.
You can fill out the form with as much information as you have, and the USCIS will locate your records using other identifying information.
Also, check through any immigration-related documents you may have, such as your Green Card approval notice (Form I-797) or any other USCIS correspondence, as these may have your Green Card number.
About Immigration Question
ImmigrationQuestion.com is a revolutionary platform that connects immigrants and users with qualified immigration attorneys. Ask your question for free, and a verified attorney registered on the platform will connect with you for further consultation. To assist and empower immigrants with everyday immigration concerns and queries, Immigration Question is a reliable resource for accessing clear information from seasoned attorneys.
